Super Eagles defender Elderson Thanks Fans for support as Monaco ends on a high

Elderson Echiejile is one of those Nigerian internationals who would be playing in the UEFA Champions League next season, thanks to his side's (Monaco) away victory at Lorient at the weekend.

He took to social media to thank his fans at large after they finished 3rd on the log behind PSG and Lyon.

The left back wrote on his official facebook page ''To every of my fan, you were always there. Looking forward to doing it better next season.''

It could be recalled that Monaco dumped Arsenal out of the UCL.

Champions League: Echiejile confident Monaco can beat Juventus

Monaco defender Elderson Echiejile has issued a stern warning to Juventus to watch out for his side when they clash in the quarter final of the UEFA champions league.

Monaco sent Arsenal packing in the round of 16 and would be taking on the Italian champions on Tuesday night in Turin.

''In the (Champions League) group stage, we set a new record by not conceding a goal in six matches. We could as well rewrite our history by winning in Italy,'' the left back said on his official website. 

''We only need to stay focused in both legs and we could be in the semifinals.

''Juventus are on great form in Serie A as well as in Europe, but we can get results from them to go through.''

Echiejile is the only Nigerian left in the chase for champions league glory this season.

Wenger admits Monaco deserved to go through to quarter final

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has conceded that Monaco deserved to go through to the next stage of the UEFA Champions League after his side failed to perform the ''miracle''.

Google Image: Arsene Wenger

Having lost 3-1 from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal almost pulled off a stunning fightback at the Stade Louis II on Tuesday night, but as they say ''almost doesn't kill a bird''.

It is the fifth season in succession that Arsenal have bowed out at this stage, and a disappointed Wenger was left to rue a poor first-leg display.

"It's always difficult to win by three goals," he told beIN Sports. "We have not taken every opportunity we've had tonight. 

"It was not realistic enough, especially after the first leg where we made ​​too many mental mistakes.

"When we look at the number of shots on target by Monaco in the competition and the number of goals, we say we can only congratulate them to be in the quarter-finals. They deserve their place. 

"Monaco have perfectly defended as they have done since the beginning of the Champions League. Again, we pay for our failures in the first leg, while the spirit and quality of play were there tonight."

Moments from Monaco dressing room after edging Arsenal to progress into quarter final of the UCL

Yes! Monaco can celebrate having made it to the quater final stage of the UEFA Champions League ahead of Arsenal .

Although the French club lost 0-2 to Arsenal at home but qualified based on the away goals rule which saw them proceed on 3-3 aggregate. They defeated Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates about a week ago and that settled it.

Nigerian defender Elderson Echiejile shared this moment from the dressing room via instagram @uwa_Elderson with the comment ''Great qualification looking ahead to the next round#AllerMonaco #ChampionsLeague''

Champions League: Anderlecht hold Arsenal to 3-3 draw, Real Madrid pip Liverpool (Other Results)

Arsenal.com

Anderlecht came from behind to draw Arsenal 3-3 in the return leg of their Champions league encounter at the Emirates on Tuesday night.

Arteta grabbed the opener for the Gunners after he scored from the penalty spot, Alexis Sanchez doubled while Oxlade-Chamberlain made it three before the boys from Belgium rallied back to see that the match ends in a draw.

Borussia Dortmund sealed their position atop the group beating Galatasary 4-1 in Germany while in Italy, Juventus produced a nervy 3-2 win over Olympiacos at home.

For many hoping to see another goals galore at the Bernabeau, that wish didn't come true as Karim Benzema's lone goal helped Real Madrid secure a slim win over Liverpool.

Other results:

Malmo 0-2 Ath Madrid

Benfica 1-0 Monaco

Basel 4-0 Ludogorets

Zenith St Petersburg 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen

Official: Rodriguez joins Real Madrid

An update on the signing of Colombia and Monaco midfielder, James Rodriguez by Real Madrid reveals that the Spanish club and the Lig 1 side have reached an agreement and the player has already passed his medical.

According to an official statement on the Madrid website, "Real Madrid C.F have reached an agreement with AS Mónaco FC to buy James Rodríguez, who will join the club for the next six seasons.

"The player will be presented today, Tuesday 22 July, at 20:00 CET, in the Santiago Bernabéu's presidential box.

"Following that, James Rodríguez will take his first steps on the Santiago Bernabéu's pitch wearing the Real Madrid jersey and will then answer questions from the media outlets in attendance in the press room." The statement reads.
 

''Keeping Rodriguez will be hard for Monaco'' - Wenger

Manager of Arsenal football club of England, Arsene Wenger has expressed that Monaco will have a hard time trying to keep James Rodriguez.

The 22-year old Colombian midfielder scored six goals at the recently concluded FIFA world Cup in Brazil to be crowned the highest goal scorer and his display has attracted huge European Clubs especially Real Madrid being priced for £70m.

“I believe that’s true,” Wenger told beIN Sports when asked if Rodriguez is too big for the French club.

“Why? Because a player like that is difficult to keep at a club when you have Real Madrid and Barcelona looking around, and without a doubt there will be people who will be watching them play and thinking about buying him.

“Is this the year that he will move? Certainly not because he is with Monaco and they will play Champions League next season and they are a big club in France.

“But certainly in the next season or two he will want to move somewhere else.”

Rodriguez joined Monaco from FC Porto last in 2013.